Friday, September 30, 1960: 'The Flintstones'

The cartoon about a "modern Stone Age family" debuts in prime time on ABC. The main characters -- Fred, Wilma, Barney and Betty -- closely resemble those on "The Honeymooners," the popular comedy from the mid-'50s starring Jackie Gleason. The familiar theme song would not be part of the show until 1962. (This image is from the first episode; it's the moment when Fred says "Yabba-dabba-doo" for the first time.)

* Show summary (Museum of Broadcast Communications): @

* Watch the first episode, "The Flintstone Flyer": @ and @ and @

* More about the first episode: @

* Early reviews of show (most were not positive): @

* Flintstones and Hanna-Barbera website: @

* Watch ads for Winston cigarettes: @ and @

* Other new shows from fall 1960: @

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